Staff Sgt Jason Russell Hendrix

Born: October 26, 1976 in Santa Cruz County, California
Died: February 16, 2005 in Taquddum, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Jason R. Hendrix of Claremore, Oklahoma grew up in California before relocating to Oklahoma at age fifteen to live with his father. While there he graduated in 1995 from Claremore Sequoyah High School after spending his last two high school years there. Jason loved to hunt and he and his father enjoyed hunting together and would almost always get a deer. He was also an avid bodybuilder. During his formative years he was a popular teenager who loved to play basketball and break-dance. During his senior year, he became noticeably motivated and focused. He decided to go into the military to serve his country. His military career began when he signed up for the National Guard, but he soon realized that he wanted to serve in the Army full time. The decision suited Jason and he was a dedicated soldier who was known for making sacrifices for his men. He used nearly $2,000 of his own money to buy night vision goggles, face masks and flashlights and giving even gave up his Christmas leave so another man with a new baby could go home. As a s Staff Sgt, Jason was like a protective big brother to his men; he cared for them and they knew it. He lived his life as an example to others both at home and in the military. Among his awards are the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Jason spoke about possibly joining the Oklahoma Highway Patrol once his enlistment was up. He leaves his mother and stepfather, Renee and Danny Amick, and his father, Russell Hendrix and seven siblings. He was killed at age 28 when an explosion occurred while he was conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq.
Army
1st Battalion
9th Infantry Regiment
2nd Infantry Division
Camp Hovey, Korea